Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our thoughts go out to the families whose loved ones died in Berkeley, California. My wife and I have five children, all of whom worked in the United States when they were students. Some of our grandchildren have done so as well. The thought of receiving a telephone call to say that one has just lost one's child is horrific. While we are aware that five people were killed, there is a possibility that even more could die. Our thoughts are with all of those involved. What happened was certainly not expected. However, it has happened and we can only hope that something can be done to relieve the sorrow of the families involved.

Our thoughts are also with the former employees of Clerys. This matter is a reminder of how long the store has remained in business. I think it first opened its doors in 1853, while Arnotts opened in 1841 and the Burgess department store in Athlone commenced operations in 1839. Some department stores have lasted quite a long time. We must remember the benefits we, as a society, have enjoyed as a result of competition but we must also recognise that the only way one can remain in business is by pleasing one's customers and moving with the times. It appears that Clerys, which went through the hands of various owners, had difficulty in doing both. I hope that a resolution will be found for the workers involved who find themselves in such a difficult position.

I thank Senator Noone for her congratulations on the removal from circulation of 1 cent and 2 cent coins and for making a call on this matter on last week's Order of Business. Last year, I was asked by the Central Bank to travel to Wexford and act as an ambassador for the removal of such coins from circulation. It has taken approximately a year to have all the coins withdrawn but their removal is going to be of major benefit. I was a little concerned listening to the radio earlier when it was stated that the idea was to round up but that is not the case. If it is 99 cent, one rounds up but if it is 91 cent, one rounds down. If it is 96 cent, one rounds down; if it is 94 cent, one rounds up. In other words, there will be no cost to the public in getting rid of 1 cent and 2 cent coins. It worked well in Wexford and it was accepted by practically everybody there. We should encourage this and we should congratulate Senator Noone for pushing this.

Age Action Ireland combined with Ulster Bank on a great campaign to highlight the fraud perpetrated within families against older people. A good conference was held in Ulster Bank. The spotlight must be put on those who have deprived their older family members of their money, which they deserved. The action of Age Action Ireland and Ulster Bank deserve congratulations.